A festive tradition was resurrected in Workington on Christmas Day after a two-year break.
For more than 30 years, people who might otherwise be alone on December 25 have enjoyed Christmas in Company, an event set up and run by town resident Evelyn Adams.
Following a hiatus due to COVID-19, the event returned, organised by a team of volunteers from Churches Together in Workington and District, and with Mrs Adams this year attending as a guest.
Fifteen guests enjoyed companionship, a three-course meal, carols and informal entertainment.
Workington mayor Councillor Denise Rollo also paid a visit.
Guests returned home with gifts and a packed tea.
The event, held at Age UK’s Oxford Street centre, was made possible thanks to donations from individuals and charitable organisations including Unite Sellafield, GMB Windscale, Workington Derwent Rotary Club, Workington Rotary Club and Christ Central.
The meal was cooked by Will Livingstone of Cater4You in Maryport, who supplied the food at cost and gave his time free of charge.
Gift hampers for the guests were put together by Tanisha Dobinson.
Valerie Hallard, one of the organisers, said: “Christmas in Company was the inspiration of Evelyn Adams MBE and had been a fixture in the calendar for many years.
“It is an opportunity for people who might otherwise be alone on Christmas Day to get together and celebrate the day with a meal, carols and informal entertainment.
“The last two COVID years were covered by a meals-on-wheels-style offering but this year it has been great to get together in person again.
“For the first time, we had the pleasure of Mrs Adams company as a guest rather than as organiser and volunteer.”
